KARACHI: Authorities in Sindh have lifted a restriction that had prevented the conversion of residential plots for commercial purposes for nearly seven years, allowing eligible property owners to once again apply for residential-to-commercial land-use conversion.
The Sindh Master Plan Authority has withdrawn its 2019 notification that restricted such conversions following recent directions from the Supreme Court and Federal Constitutional Court. The change applies across Sindh, including major urban centres such as Karachi and Hyderabad.
The decision could provide new opportunities for property owners seeking to use eligible residential plots for permitted commercial activities such as offices, shops and other businesses. However, the removal of the previous restriction does not automatically change the approved use of every residential property.
Owners must still comply with applicable zoning regulations, master plans and legal requirements, while obtaining the necessary approvals and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authority before starting commercial activity.
Authorities have also maintained protections for amenity plots. Land designated for parks, schools, hospitals, mosques, playgrounds and graveyards cannot be converted for commercial or residential purposes.
The policy change is expected to attract attention from property owners and investors across Sindh, while the approval process and applicable zoning rules will remain important factors in determining which residential properties qualify for commercialisation.
